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The Great Debate... Do you define yourself as your illness or are you a human being living with an illness?

My friend Momentum has posed a very important question! Do you conform to societal labels or do we challenge the system when the system attempts to self impose their views on who we TRULY are?

It can become very easy to be consumed by external factors when Identifying who were are. I am first and foremost, a human being. I am a daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, friend, colleague, peer, employee, a woman, etc. And, I live with depression and anxiety that I am NOT ashamed of. I did not cause it but am very proactive in minimizing it’s effects on my life. Last year, being proactive did not work because a group of administrator’s were on a mission to destroy my career, my life, my livelihood and my self worth.

However, still, I refused to conform to their biased views because I am who I am and am very proud of myself despite that they are ashamed of me for being proud. Does this make sense? In life, we will come across individuals that know we are exceptional and competent workers but for some reason THEY NOT US cannot get past a label.

I know people, who have been treated in this broken system since they were adolescents and are now in their 50’s and all the know is the label they are giving. Some will have been so poorly condition, that they actually believe “I am a Schizophrenic” versus I am a human being living with Schizophrenia.

Lizkat wanted to educate healthcare provider’s! Well, here we go. The helping professions is suffering and it needs to revamp itself and go WAYYYYY back to the friendly visitors in the early years of social work. People should not further be exposed to victimization because of their unfortunate circumstances. And, people living with any type of illness should not be made to feel like they are worthless and cannot dream and do BIG things with their lives.

In my last year in graduate school, I was suicidal but you know what my friends? The employer and familial issues were the culprit that exacerbated my illness. Regardless, of all of the roadblocks that presented themselves, I graduated and was told by my thesis professor that my thesis was one of the best in his class in 2010. So, did I allow other’s hurtful actions to negate my dreams and goals? Absolutely not……

You can be diagnosed with the most horrific condition but the mind is powerful and when we focus diligently on the task at hand that one is trying to achieve no label can stop you!

I have good days, and I have days, when all seems overwhelming but I refuse to conform to what society or some select insensitive individuals try to say as to…… what I am or am not capable of.

By now, most of you can tell that I am a writer and most recently put together a case for the US District Court that some believe a lawyer put together. I, until my last breath, will always challenge the status Quo because it is wrong, it is hurtful, it is demoralizing, it can ruin lives and there is no place for this type of practice and/or behavior in our world.

Interesting what you have said. I have depression, for years I went through life never feeling as if I did not belong, always on the outside looking in. My life style reflected how I felt and viewed myself. I was raised in foster homes, 4 in 5 years. I never let anyone in or felt wanted.
The problem with society is you are weak if admit to the pain that you feel, doctors use case studies, put you in a diagnoed box, when each case is as unique as the person. As you said, you are given a label and expected to wear it around your neck. Depression is not who I am, that is why the medical profession fails…… They do not know the person.

Everyone feels pain my dear. They may not admit it and put on a good front but no one is immune to pain whether it be physical, emotional, psychological etc.

I am proud of you for saying…. that depression is not who you are… because your not.

Depression can surely make someone withdraw and/or feel out of place but you have to force yourself to live your life in the best way that you can. Just because we live with depression does not mean that we have to settle.

Yes, some in the medical profession really don’t take the time to get to know the person!

I would like to think that by posting these discussions, we are in essence increasing awareness, about how individuals are made to feel over the course of their treatment, their lives and their perceptions of self.

Although, it can be disheartening and painful, how other’s view an illness, you have to be proud of the fact that you were raised in some unfortunate circumstances yet still can see that you are an individual and not depression.

I thank you for being so candid about your life. I hope that you continue to reach out and always remember that if you need to chat I am here. My friends on the site are also very supportive so feel free to reach out to any of us.

I’m an epileptic since age of 9. It took me 10 yrs. To get a dc. Who would realize, I’m the patient and It’sme who experiences this. For the first time , he refuses to return my calls and has his nurse talk to me. I had a scary situation, one thing I don’t like is being ignored when its only a question, and his job to help. Not like I call shrug day.

The acceptance of the truth that joy and sorrow, laughter and tears are not confined to any particular time, place or people, but are universally distributed, should make us more tolerant of and more interested in the lives of others. ~ William M. Peck

Hey girl! Keep ur head up. A man who thinks its cool to disrespect a woman on a health site is a poor excuse of a man!
I grew up without a dad because he was a drug addict n mom took it our on me.
2day he’s clean and wants a father’s day gift. Picture that! Absent doesn’t deserve a gift. My gift is depression!
Ur smart n don’t have 2 cut n paste! Don’t give him a 2nd thought ur better n maybe he’s threatened by ur brains n popularity!
Much Luv

Hey girl! Keep ur head up. A man who thinks its cool to disrespect a woman on a health site is a poor excuse of a man!
I grew up without a dad because he was a drug addict n mom took it our on me.
2day he’s clean and wants a father’s day gift. Picture that! Absent doesn’t deserve a gift. My gift is depression!
Ur smart n don’t have 2 cut n paste! Don’t give him a 2nd thought ur better n maybe he’s threatened by ur brains n popularity!
Much Luv

Hi China,
I see that you can actually write..LOL. I am glad that you decided to put yourself first my dear. I am sorry that you grew up the way you did. A lot of us did not grow up in the most healthy environments but if your dad is sober it’s never too late to try to develop a relationship with him.
I am sorry that your mom took out her frustrations on you. Make sure that you are also getting some talk therapy so you can process your feelings.
As for the other part of your message, don’t worry honey I am a survivor and I am learning that people who are hurting themselves often deflect/project their feelings of self onto others. I am past that but I appreciate your concern.
Hugs,
Rox